Thomasville pharmacists arrested on drug charges

Drug agents say the arrests of two Thomasville pharmacists are just the beginning of what they expect to be a long investigation.

These stacks of boxes contain just some of the evidence confiscated during a search at Murphy Drugs Wednesday afternoon.

"So based on what we find. Several people including Mr. Cox will be charged with more offenses," said Narcotics Commander Kevin Lee.

Thomas County Narcotics Agents along with the DEA and Georgia Drugs and Narcotics began an investigation into the pharmacy after receiving a tip about pill bottles being filled with Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, and other controlled substances without prescriptions.

"It's no different that someone selling cocaine or marijuana. If you're filling pill bottles with Hydrocodone with no prescription you are basically selling drugs. It's no different than someone selling marijuana, cocaine, or meth," said Lee.

And while owner and pharmacist Jeffrey Cox and another pharmacist Karen Dunlap remain in jail, the business remains open.

"It's not up to me as far as the license and that sort of thing. That'll be up to Georgia Drugs and Narcotics and DEA. Usually in a situation like this, the license will be suspended," said Lee.

The original owners of Murphy Drugs were arrested in 2009 for similar drug related offenses, but agents say they are not sure if the crimes are related.

"He bought this pharmacy from them during the investigation. So there is an employee who works there that worked at both. So like I said we are not sure if there is any connection yet it could be," said Lee.

But Lee says this case will have a major impact on the community.

"A lot of people trust their pharmacist and a lot of people trust the pharmacy in general. And it has been there a while. It's been there a long time. I'm sure it has a large clientele. I'm sure it has put people back knowing illegal activity has been going on there."